Science 1.06: Explain and evaluate some ways that humans affect ecosystems.
Habitat reduction due to development
Pollutants
Increased nutrients
ELA Common Core Standards: Reading Standards Informational Text 2. Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize the text. 3. Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text. 6. Analyze multiple accounts of the same event or topic, noting important similarities and differences in the point of view they represent.
Lesson Objective:
Students will understand the effects that humans have on ecosystems (specifically ecosystems in the equatorial zone) and will build an understanding of need vs. greed.
Assessment:
Discussion question: What do you know about pollution, need vs. greed, negative impacts on ecosystems? (Whole class)
Think about the environments that you have learned about and have seen on Crystal Island as you answer the following questions: "How do you think humans have negatively impacted ecosystems similar to the ones that you have seen on Crystal Island?" (individual quick write or small group discussion)
Tools:
SMART board, projector, computers
Introduction:
Today, we are going to research and analyze the ways that humans negatively impact ecosystems in the equatorial zones.
Procedures:
Students will discuss in small groups how they believe humans have negatively impacted ecosystems in the equatorial zone. They will use their schema and build on the ideas of their classmates.
Students will work with a partner or small group to research information about ecosystem destruction. They will choose one of the following topics: coral reefs, rainforests, ocean pollution, or over fishing (more can be added if the students think of one that you would like for them to research). The students should create a cause and effect chart in order to keep track of their research.
Have students share for 1-2 minutes the information that they found and their feelings about the destruction of that area. Having the students share out will allow each group to hear information about human impact in different locations.
The teacher will read the below-mentioned article from National Geographic to the students in order to provide an example of people destroying land in order to provide for their families. This will begin a discussion of the difference of need vs. greed. After reading the article, allow students to discuss their views of need vs. greed and other examples that their might know. Article: http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/deforestation-overview/
Have students complete a quick write about what they can do to help reduce the destruction of ecosystems and habitats around the world, and also why it is important to help.
1.06: Explain and evaluate some ways that humans affect ecosystems.
ELA Common Core Standards:
Reading Standards Informational Text
2. Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize the text.
3. Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text.
6. Analyze multiple accounts of the same event or topic, noting important similarities and differences in the point of view they represent.
Think about the environments that you have learned about and have seen on Crystal Island as you answer the following questions:
"How do you think humans have negatively impacted ecosystems similar to the ones that you have seen on Crystal Island?" (individual quick write or small group discussion)
Information about rainforests:
Ocean Pollution